British rule produced radical and lasting changes in Indian society and culture. Examine the statement in the light of M.N. Srinivas's concept of westernization.

Radical and Lasting changes in Indian society due to British rule

(1) Ideological changes:

→ Age ideology of Caste based occupation was challenged by British by allowing everyone into British administration

→ Hindu marriages ideology related

practise of sati was abolished by the British

(2) Institutional Changes:

→ Religious institutions are replaced by modern institutions

[Ex:] Saving money in Temples to saving money in Banks.

→ Traditional institutions such as Caste groups in conflict resolution were replaced by police and bureaucracy.

(3) Technological changes:

→ Subsistence mode of production is changed to industrial mode.

→ Technological interventions such as Railways promoted social mobility.

(4) Value changes

→ Conservative Values such as child marriages, untouchability etc are being replaced by liberal values such as equality, liberty and freedom.

Over all Impact

Critical perspective

→ Westernisation only brought cultural changes not structural changes.

→ Kanche Ilaiah argues that still dalits are seen as untouchables despite ideological westernisation.

→ M.N. Srinivas concept projects the Xerocentric view of Western culture.

→ Dysfunctions of Westernisation are not discussed such as colonial mindset in Indian society.

→ Over focus on caste in explaining Westernisation.

→ Marxists like A.R. Desai argue that Westernisation of Indian society is primarily for colonial interests and not for empowering Indian society.